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In the wake of the Allied
resurgence in the summer and autumn of 1918 - with the breaking of the
Hindenburg Line in Flanders and in the Argonne - and with the sudden
collapse of its own allies - the German High Command came to the conclusion
that the war could not be won.

As the month drew to a
close and with the German public growing increasingly restless - revolution
was less than two weeks away - the Kaiser
appointed a new, reformist Chancellor,
Prince
Max von Baden, along with a more representative government.
He also freed numerous political prisoners, including
Dr Karl Liebknecht who
promptly called for a revolution.

I return herewith for immediate publication the bill to amend the Imperial
Constitution and the law of March 17, 1870, relative to the representation of
the Imperial Chancellor, which has been laid before me for signature.

On the occasion of this step, which is so momentous for the future history of
the German people, I have a desire to give expression to my feelings. Prepared
for by a series of Government acts, a new order comes into force which transfers
the fundamental rights of the Kaiser's person to the people.

Thus comes to a close a period which will stand in
honour before the eyes of
future generations. Despite all struggles between invested authority and
aspiring forces, it has rendered possible to our people that tremendous
development which imperishably revealed itself in the wonderful achievements of
this war.

In the terrible storms of the four years of war, however, old forms have been
broken up, not to leave their ruins behind but to make a place for new, vital
forms.

After the achievements of these times, the German people can claim that no right
which may guarantee a free and happy future shall be withheld from them.

The proposals of the Allied Governments which are now adopted and extended owe
their origin to this conviction. I, however, with my exalted allies, endorse
these decisions of Parliament in firm determination, so far as I am concerned,
to cooperate in their full development, convinced that I am thereby promoting
the weal of the German people.

The Kaiser's office is one of service to the people. May, then, the new order
release all the good powers which our people need in order to support the trials
which are hanging over the empire and with a firm step win a bright future from
the gloom of the present.